Confused about strip mine request

Sunday

Aug 29, 2010 at 12:01 AM

Dear Editor: I am alarmed by the request for a strip mining permit (#P-3945) for the Shepherd’s Bend area of the Black Warrior River. Chris Bryant of the University of Alabama media relations staff tells me “the University of Alabama has no current plans to lease or sell the land.”Yet, a strip mining permit is requested for this and adjoining pieces of property. I am totally confused. I live less than 200 yards from the property that is named in the strip mine permit that is being considered by the Alabama Surface Mining Commission. Why is someone requesting a permit to strip mine land that the UA says they don’t plan to sell or lease? I am afraid for my property and my drinking water. I am afraid for the natural environment that surrounds me and my neighbors. I have already had to repair my house from the blasting that occurs even further up the river from another strip mining operation currently working. What will happen to my home when strip mining begins 200 yards across the river from me? What will happen to the homes of the beaver, fox, duck, fish, nesting birds, hawks and blue heron that take their drinking water from the river and built their homes there?

Patricia W. LundgrenQuinton

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